'Old Bridge Militia' Member Passes Away After Surviving Fire

January 20, 2009

Jethro Hirsch, a member of the legendary "Old Bridge Militia," passed away Monday afternoon, January 19, after surviving a devastating fire on December 29 that completely destroyed his apartment and left him in critical condition. According to reports, he had fallen asleep with a lit cigarette, and was rescued with second- and third-degree burns over most of his upper body. He had been in the Intensive Care Unit of St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey since the tragedy and died of a heart attack while undergoing recovery treatments at the hospital.

Jethro (also known as "Iron Fist") was part of the "Old Bridge Militia" and a very well-known and respected figure in the heavy metal community. Since 1982, Jethro was a multi-task machine: from onstage security guard for L'Amour nightclub in Brooklyn, New York; and a crew member, merchandiser and driver for ANVIL for the past 25 years. Jethro had personal friendships and worked many miscellaneous roles for MOTÖRHEAD, RAVEN, IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE/KING DIAMOND and MÖTLEY CRÜE.

Those wishing to contact the Hirsch family may e-mail them through Kundrat.com.

Jethro with ANVIL and Bob Muldowney of Kick*Ass magazine (R.I.P.):

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